The first Italian M-346 "Lavi" (Hebrew for Lion) landed in the Hazerim Airbase in July 2014 during Operation "Protective Edge".

The "Lavi" is an innovative aircraft in its field, as its abilities are almost identical to the F-16's but as opposed to its counterparts, it was created as an instruction aircraft. As such, it is lacks weapons systems and allows its operator to fly with optimal safety.

What makes the aircraft the best instructor is not only its new engine or maneuverability. Its heart is actually the virtual threat system. The system makes it possible to simulate a plethora of threats, from a Syrian "MiG" attack, through "Hezbollah" Lebanese terror organization anti-aircraft weapon to "Hamas" Palestinian terror organization arms warehouses in the Gaza Strip.

The system creates the option to train with all of the complex physiological sensations which come with flying a jet while at the same time simulating the execution of an operational mission.

The "Lavi" will completely change the training of future IAF fighter pilots and WSOs.